By Judy Cantor September 19, 2002

Described by its producers as "a music-based time capsule of planet Earth now," 1 Giant Leap crosses cultures and genres with powerful music that bridges authenticity and innovation. The twelve tracks comprise a seamless mix of indigenous rhythms, electronica, pop, jazz, socially committed rap, spoken-word, and traditional chanting and vocal styles. Baaba Maal, Michael Stipe, Robbie Williams, Neneh Cherry, and Michael Franti are featured, along with other musicians and vocalists from Africa, India, and Australasia, who listeners will have the privilege of discovering on this stirring CD. Jamie Catto, filmmaker and co-founder of the band Faithless, and producer Duncan Bridgeman traveled from Britain to 25 countries, meeting musicians, DJs, singers, and spoken-word artists in intimate surroundings. Determined to truly integrate all of the participants into the mix, Catto and Bridgeman recorded in situ on Macs, instead of merely incorporating random samples once back home in the studio. The laptop Lomaxes succeeded in effectively obliterating the digital divide, creating a fresh, multilayered sound that... More >>>